Life is not all rosy all the time. Sometimes we get a splinter in our soul. Something is there that doesn't belong and until we get it out -- all of it out -- it is painful.

The cumulative effect of not being recognized, even after initiating a hello, is a slight that can feel like a result of racism, however benign the intentions might be.

We are all surrounded with opportunities to reach out and make someone's life better. If you lack peace, you will find it there. The question is: "Are you willing to go the distance?"

It's hard to know how to counsel friends when they are in the midst of a severe crisis. But here are a few things that I've learned along the way.